Ferrari Suspect Mechanical Fault, Massa Discharged From Hospital

Ferrari’s Felipe Massa has been discharged from hospital in Monaco following his heavy shunt during the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.

The Brazilian seemingly locked up his brakes in the run up to Monaco’s famous Saint Devote corner, violently hit the armco barrier before sliding sideways into the TecPro energy absorbing barrier at the first corner, in an identical incident to his FP3 smash which saw him miss Qualifying as the team rebuilt the stricken Ferrari.

On Saturday, Massa climbed unaided from his F138 cockpit before returning to the paddock and complaining of shoulder pains. Following the incident on Sunday, which happened on lap 31 of the 78 lap event, Felipe once again climbed unaided from the cockpit as Marshalls began a speedy car removal to ensure the race could continue undisturbed.

However, the new F1 doctor, Dr. Ian Roberts, was given his first on-track action when the medical car was called to assist Massa. This saw the Safety Car deployed for several laps as the sister Mercedes brought Roberts to Massa where he attached a neck collar. Massa was then taken to a local hospital, which doubles up as the track’s medical centre, for check-ups following the big impact.

Ferrari team boss Stefano Dominecalli reassured media of Massa’s well-being, saying he was doing fine and would be fit for the Canadian Grand Prix which takes place in Montreal in two weeks.

While driver error was suspected following Massa’s Saturday crash, it was highly doubted that a driver of Massa’s caliber would repeat the exact same mistake in the same manner at the same place – something that Ferrari’s technical director agreed with.

“Today’s accident looked very similar to what happened in the third free practice session, but in fact the two incidents are very different.” Pat Fry said on Sunday evening. “It seems that today’s incident can be attributed to a problem on the left front corner of the car. It’s too early to say precisely what happened and in the next few days, we will try to ascertain the exact cause back in Maranello.”

Kobayashi Completes Ferrari Run

Kamui Kobayashi returned to the wheel of a Formula One car today, Monday, when he ran the team’s 2010 challenger.

The Japanese driver, who lost his place in F1 at the end of 2012 when he failed to find funding to continue his career with Sauber, in now a part of Ferrari’s World Endurance Championship team. Today’s run was to prepare the 26-year-old for a demo run he will complete in the same machine in Moscow in late July.

The former Sauber and Toyota racer said he was left happy after his time behind the wheel of the Ferrari F10.

“The first feeling was one of great happiness. I raced against this car and I knew how quick it was, so it was very important to get some experience of it.

“It will be very nice to drive an F1 car again at this event in Moscow and for me it will be a double debut: the first time at the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car in an event and my first visit to the city.”

Murray Walker Recovering From Fall

‘The Voice of Formula One’, Murray Walker is recovering from a fall he suffered while holidaying in Germany.

The legendary commentator was enjoying a cruise on the river Rhine when he fell and fractured his pelvis and knees. The 89-year-old is now back in the UK where he is recovering.

Murray began work as a commentator in 1960 and ran up until 2002 when he retired. He is remembered for his great partnership with former World Champion James Hunt, and more so for his so-called ‘Murrayisms’ which were mistakes made during commentary in the heat of the action, such as “He’s obviously gone in for a wheel change. I say obviously because I can’t see it”, “I can’t imagine what kind of problem Senna has. I imagine it must be some sort of grip problem” or his bang-on philosophy on Formula One, “Anything can happen in Formula One – and it usually does!”. 

Get well soon Murray.

Legal Action Possibly Looming For Pirelli Following Breach Of Rules

Breaking news in the paddock is that the stewards in Monaco have ruled AGAINST Pirelli and Mercedes. The tire supplier came under fire from big names Red Bull and Ferrari this morning when news broke that the Silver Arrows had run a three day private test following on from the Spanish Grand Prix two weeks ago.

Pirelli and Mercedes defended themselves saying they had permission to run a private test with whatever team they wanted as it would focus on the 2014 tires or the new rear tires to be brought in from the Canadian Grand Prix onwards.

Many in the paddock believed Ferrari and Red Bull’s objection to the test would be denied and hence used as a clarification for the rules or possibly bring in a law that stated that all teams would need to be notified of a private tire test involving a team with a 2013 chassis.

At the beginning of May, the FIA was asked by Pirelli if it was possible for it to carry out some tyre development testing with a team, using a current car. Within the contract Pirelli has with the FIA as single supplier, there is a provision for them to carry out up to 1000km of testing with any team – provided every team is offered the opportunity to do so. 

Pirelli and Mercedes-AMG were advised by the FIA that such a development test could be possible if carried out by Pirelli, as opposed to the team that would provide the car and driver, and that such tests would be conditional upon every team being given the same opportunity to test in order to ensure full sporting equity. 

Following this communication, the FIA received no further information about a possible test from Pirelli or from Mercedes-AMG. Furthermore, the FIA received no confirmation that all teams had been given an opportunity to take part in this test. 

In addition, with regard to the application of the sport’s rules, including principles of sporting equity, it should be remembered that the International Sporting Code provides that on the basis of a report of the stewards of the meeting, or on its own initiative, the prosecuting body of the FIA may bring a matter before the International Tribunal.

The Tribunal may decide to inflict penalties that would supercede and penalty the stewards of the meeting may have issued. Such procedure would be followed in pursuance of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules. 

This breach by Pirelli could very well spell disaster for the tire manufacturer who has repeatedly come under fire this year for the easily degradable nature of the tire causing both stalemates on track alongside several worrying incidents involving tire delaminations – tire wear particularly affecting Mercedes which is believed to be the motive behind Pirelli’s decision to use them at the test.

Furthermore, The FIA has denied having knowledge of the test, which could now see both Pirelli and Mercedes brought before the FIA International Tribunal. I can’t imagine any serious ramifications for Mercedes, but Pirelli are certainly in big trouble.

VIDEO – Grosjean Crashes Into Ricciardo

Lotus’ Romain Grosjean crashes into Toro Rosso’s Daniel Ricciardo in the run up to the Nouvelle Chicane on lap 63 of Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix. The Frenchman was subsequently given a ten-place grid penalty for the Canadian Grand Prix.

Grosjean Handed Grid Drop

Lotus’ Romain Grosjean has been handed a ten-place grid drop for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix following his collision with Daniel Ricciardo during today’s Monaco Grand Prix.

The Frenchman outbraked himself on the run up to the Nouvelle Chicane and smashed into the back of Ricciardo’s Toro Rosso. The two drivers took to the escape road at the chicane, Grosjean rejoining through a side exit while Ricciardo was forced to retire immediately as a result of the damage.

Grosjean pitted for a new front wing and rejoined the cue behind the Safety Car but was subsequently called back into the pits by his team to retire the car.

It’s a weekend to forget for Grosjean who caused three hurried car rebuilds for the team before the race. He smashed into the TecPro barrier at Saint Devote twice during the practice sessions aswell as damaging rear suspension at the Nouvelle Chicane when he nicked the barriers and gave himself a puncture.

Romain’s team-mate, Kimi Raikkonen is also under investigation by the stewards amid reports the Finn went too fast behind the Safety Car.

Rosberg Takes Commanding Monaco Grand Prix Victory

Nico Rosberg has won the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix in an extreme show of dominance from the German who survived a red flag and several Safety Car stints to keep the lead from lights to flag, having grabbed his third consecutive pole position. 

Jules Bianchi was off to a bad start. Having pulled over in the opening seconds of Qualifying yesterday, he failed to make it off the grid for the parade lap. Nico Rosberg led the remaining 21 drivers around as Bianchi was pushed back for a pitlane start.

Two minutes later the grid formed up, the lights went on, the lights went off and they all charged forwards. Surprisingly, the drivers managed to make their way safely through the first corner including a particularly reserved through Saint Devote. Giedo van der Garde was in the wars at the hairpin as he made contact with Pastor Maldonado and lost a front wing.

The top eight consisted of Rosberg, Hamilton, Vettel, Webber, Raikkonen, Alonso, Perez, Button as the Hamilton began to hold up the Red Bull’s behind him. The yellow flag came out at turn 10 for debris while the McLarens were in the wars, Sergio Perez forcing Button towards the barrier before cutting the Nouvelle chicane. Several corners later, he attempted the same, forcing Jenson towards the barrier and cutting the swimming pool chicane. Perez’s recklessness wasn’t anywhere near finished.

Yellow flags came back out again, this time as Charles Pic was parked on the pit entrance with a fiery Caterham. The Frenchman was out of the car in no time as smoke-filled up the Rascasse section.

The next fifteen laps or so resulted in all but one overtake as Paul di Resta made a nice move on Felipe Massa into Saint Devote. Several laps later, the Brazilian repeated the bizarre incident which took him out of Qualifying. He locked his brakes in the run up to Turn 1 and hit the barrier, sliding sideways into the TecPro barrier across the track. He climbed out of the car but a Safety Car was deployed as the Medical Car was needed. Dr. Ian Roberts got his first race appearance as he attached a neck brace to the Brazilian who was complaining of shoulder problems after his shunt on Saturday. Several laps later the Mercedes left turn 1 to take Felipe to hospital for a check up, and allowed the Safety Car to come in and let the racing resume.

Nico Rosberg caught Sebastian Vettel sleeping on the restart as he darted away from his countryman while third placed Mark Webber was left defending hard against the other Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton. Further down the grid, Sergio Perez saw a gap into the Nouvelle Chicane and stuck his nose up the inside of Jenson Button. It was a cheeky move but it paid off. However, this successful overtake would prove disastrous for Perez as the race progressed.

Jules Bianchi was suddenly shown limping back to the pits with a truly mangled front wing and a red flag was thrown. It seemed a bit extreme for front wing damage until Pastor Maldonado’s utterly destroyed William’s was shown in the barriers at Tabac. Replays explained that Max Chilton moved across the Venezuelan which caused the William’s front wing to buckle and fall under the car which launched the front of the car upwards and into the TecPro barriers. Bianchi subsequently hit the barriers which caused the damage to his front wing.

Thirty-five minutes later the race restarted under Safety Car conditions, as per usual for a red flag. After one lap the Mercedes came in the pits which allowed Rosberg to again charge away from Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull as Hamilton launched another attack on Webber for third. Race control also announced that Max Chilton was awarded a drive through penalty for causing the William’s aerial display.

Sergio Perez, having earlier tried a similar, failed, overtake on Fernando Alonso, stuck his McLaren up the inside of Kimi Raikkonen at the Nouvelle Chicane. By stuck, I mean he pretty much drove straight on and forced the Finn to cut the corner to prevent a collision. Kimi blasted the Mexican on the radio, saying “That idiot was tried to hit me, tried to ruin my race”. 

Adrian Sutil caught Fernando Alonso sleeping a few laps later to pull off a spectacular overtake at the hairpin while Jules Bianchi stuck his Marussia in the barrier at Saint Devote. It was a very light collision in comparison to Massa’s shunt but it ruled Bianchi out of the race – an end to an awful weekend for the Frenchman. With two of the French racers out of the race, two remained – until Romain Grosjean was involved in a huge crash with Daniel Ricciardo. In the run down to the Nouvelle Chicane, again, Ricciardo seemed to break early and Grosjean was sent straight onto the rear wing of the Toro Rosso. Ricciardo retired on the spot while Grosjean pitted, rejoined and returned to the pits where Lotus retired the car.

The Safety Car was back out for this incident and pitted with 12 laps of the race remaining. Sergio Perez was straight over the back of Raikkonen and attempted an overtake on the Finn. Not long after his first attempt failed, his second attempt failed too. He stuck his nose up the inside of the Lotus as Kimi turned into the chicane and gave the 2007 World Champion a puncture. Next lap, Perez swerved at the same spot as if trying to make an overtake on an invisible car and went straight on. He got wide at Rascasse several corners later before turning into the escape road to retire the car, presumably nursing damage from his careless driving.

With Perez out-of-the-way, the surviving cars raced to the end of the race as “Rosberg became the first Rosberg to win the Monaco Grand Prix since Rosberg” as one Twitter used put it. Indeed, Nico Rosberg followed his father’s example, leading from lights to flag to secure the win ahead of Sebastian Vettel in second and Mark Webber third.

1. Nico Rosberg
2. Sebastian Vettel
3. Mark Webber
4. Lewis Hamilton
5. Adrian Sutil
6. Jenson Button
7. Fernando Alonso
8. Jean-Eric Vergne
9. Paul di Resta
10. Kimi Raikkonen
11. Nico Hulkenberg
12. Valtteri Bottas
13. Esteban Gutierrez
14. Max Chilton
15. Giedo van der Garde

• Sergio Perez
• Romain Grosjean
• Daniel Ricciardo
• Jules Bianchi
• Pastor Maldonado
• Felipe Massa
• Charles Pic

The Race Of Kings: Previewing The Monaco Grand Prix

Back in 1929, somebody looked at what has to be one of the twistiest and tightest places in the world and said “You know what? Monaco would be a great place to hold a motor race”. Obviously I’m paraphrasing, I think, and I presume there was a bit more planning than a man standing there and making a decision. Either way, I’d like to thank whoever made the decision to hold the race.

The inaugural running of the Monaco Grand Prix was a full 21 years before Formula One came into existence, but it immediately became the highlight of the F1 calender from 1950. It really is a track like no other. Sure, one could argue that the Singapore track is quite similar, in terms of proximity to the barriers – but it’s not.

There’s this aura around Monaco I just cannot explain. It causes fans to have withdrawal symptoms and schedule their Monaco Grand Prix weekend months in advance; It attracts celebrities like moths to a light and it provides the ultimate challenge to the drivers. Think about the modern circuits – the South Korean or American circuits – which all have literally miles of run off areas. Well, these zones just don’t exist in Monaco. For most of the track you have a huge wall of houses and business’ on one side and a harbour on the other side, separated by nothing more than a few metres of tarmac. Neither side would be a very comfortable place to end up so one has to hold complete concentration for the entire race.

It is the ultimate challenge and provides one hell of a spectacle but when it goes wrong, it has huge consequences. Sergio Perez can testify to this. Emerging from the tunnel in 2011, off the racing line and into a downward slope, his Sauber C29 lost control and smashed into a barrier breaking both right tires. The car then spun 90 degrees before slamming into the energy absorbing TecPro barriers. Another example of the challenge is Ayrton Senna’s crash in 1988. Leading the race by a comfortable margin, the Brazilian legend let his mind slip. It may very well have slipped for less than a second but it was too late – he was in the barriers and out of the race.

Monaco looks like a friendly circuit but when not given absolute concentration, it will turn into a monster.

With that in mind, here’s some big points from the last two Monaco Grand Prix:

2012:

• Winner – Mark Webber

2012 saw Michael Schumacher grabbing the sole pole position of his Mercedes stint, but it was robbed from him after his penalty from his Bruno Senna crash in Spain two weeks beforehand was enacted. This promoted Red Bull’s Mark Webber to pole position. Pastor Maldonado was a pure brute on the Saturday, merely two weeks after becoming a hero in Catalunya where he grabbed his first Formula One win and saved his cousin from the fiery Williams garage when a fuel rig went up in flames. The Venezuelan was slightly held up by Sergio Perez during FP3 and thought ramming the Mexican into the wall was suitable payback for the incident. Obviously it wasn’t and he then crashed due to the damage he sustained in the incident.

The run into the first corner is usually chaotic and 2012 proved no different. Romain Grosjean and Fernando Alonso came a little close and Romain subsequently spun and sent Kobayashi airborne. Maldonado, starting from the back after the penalty, got up on the rear of a HRT and then also retired. The race ended with Red Bull’s Mark Webber becoming a double race winner in Monte Carlo following some late rain which bunched the top six into a huge train of crawling drivers.

2011: 

• Winner – Sebastian Vettel

Nico Rosberg crashed at the chicane coming out of the tunnel during FP3 and luckily avoided the TecPro barriers. Sergio Perez wasn’t as lucky when he crashed in Q3 at the same place and was trapped in his crushed car. He was extracted by Dr. Gary Hartstein and his crew and brought to hospital where he was kept overnight, ruling him out of Sunday’s Grand Prix.

During the race, Lewis Hamilton attempted a completely ridiculous overtake on Felipe Massa. The Briton tried to stick his McLaren into a non-existing gap at the hairpin and caused damage to Felipe’s Ferrari. This damage caused Massa to lose control and crash into the wall of the tunnel. Lewis was penalised but wasn’t out of the wars. On lap 69 of 78, seven back markers trying to move out-of-the-way of the top three of Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, caused a crash into the swimming pool chicane. Lewis Hamilton wasn’t the cause of the crash but suffered a damaged rear wing while Jaime Alguersuari and Vitaly Petrov hit the barriers and were forced to retire. The latter was knocked unconscious briefly during the shunt and had to be extracted, the second extraction of the weekend while the ambulance and medical crew on track called for a Red Flag.

While the cars were parked on the grid during the red flag, McLaren fixed Lewis’ rear wing while Vettel changed his Pirelli’s to make sure he could keep his lead from a feisty Fernando. This left seven laps left at the restart but this was more than enough time for Lewis Hamilton to take Pastor Maldonado out of the race. Trying to pull yet another idiotic manoeuvre into Turn 1, he cut the chicane and pushed the Venezuelan into the barriers in what would’ve been his first points finish. Yes, another penalty for Lewis. In a post race interview with BBC’s Lee McKenzie, Lewis was asked why he was in so much trouble with the stewards recently. His ill-thought out reply was “Maybe it’s because I’m black – that’s what Ali G says!” Clearly the Brit was joking but nonetheless was forced to write a letter of apology to the stewards.

 

It can get tough to watch, especially the onboard camera which shows the cars getting worryingly close to the barriers. Whether you watch the race from behind the pillow or not, enjoy it – it promises to be a fantastic race.

Chilton Defends Marussia Seat

Marussia’s Max Chilton has defended his place in Formula One, saying money was not the driving factor behind his 2013 seat.

The rookie became Marussia’s reserve driver last September in the run up to the Singapore Grand Prix, eventually leaving GP2 for a full-time drive this season. The impressive efforts of Jules Bianchi, Chilton’s team-mate, so far this season have left some critics saying the Briton is in Formula One purely because he could pay for it, not because he deserved it.

Chilton on the other hand, cites talent as Marussia’s main motivation to sign him. “I’ve had that negativity all my career.” he told the Sunday Telegraph when the issue of financial backing was brought up. “You have to put it behind you, and not focus on it. It is complete rubbish. It’s fuel to drive you on to be even better. I put it behind me a long time ago. Sometimes people are critical and use my father’s support as something against me.

“But ultimately an F1 team would never accept you unless you could do the job. I am here to become a race-winner and, I hope, a world champion. I do this to prove things to myself. I know that I am good enough.”

Massa Runs Warsaw Demo For Ferrari

Ferrari’s Felipe Massa wowed 30,000 petrol heads in the Polish capital, Warsaw, last Saturday as part of a promo event for Shell.

The Brazilian was at the hands of his 2009 Ferrari F60 for the day as he drove a specially designed layout on the streets of the capital. Massa completed twenty laps of the circuit which featured two chicanes and two hairpin corners. Ferrari also boasted their pit stop abilities, changing the Ferrari’s tires in front of the crowd.

Of the demo, Massa said, “It’s incredible to be here in Warsaw for the first time and to be able to show local fans the magic of Formula One. It’s been really good fun. There aren’t many street circuits on the Formula One calendar but we go to Monaco next week so it’s great that Shell has been able to create some of that special feeling here ahead of the race.”

Massa currently stands fifth in the standings coming from the Spanish Grand Prix where he was on the podium for the first time since last October.